Male connector and transfusion line connection apparatus equipped with male connector

ABSTRACT

The male connector of the present disclosure allows for the flow of fluids therethrough and includes a movable blunt needle having a shoulder projecting radially outwards from the movable blunt needle. The male connector also includes an outer cylinder body formed around the movable blunt needle and disposed in coaxial alignment to the movable blunt needle, a blunt needle retainer which retains the movable blunt needle so that the movable blunt needle can move in an axial direction, and a valve which opens as a result of the movable blunt needle moving in the axial direction when the posterior end presses against the valve. This occurs when the movable blunt needle is inserted into a corresponding connection site, such as a female connector, and the shoulder presses against the connection site to force the movable blunt needle in the axial direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/156,510, filed Jun. 9, 2011, the entire contents of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a male connector of a transfusion linewhich conducts fluids such as drug solutions to patients and transfusionline connection apparatus for use with the connector cap.

2. Background of the Related Art

During conventional medical procedures, medical fluids such as drugsolutions and blood, etc. are supplied to a patient by a transfusionsystem through a tube. Within this type of transfusion system,connection equipment is used to provide throughflow between tubes byincluding male and female connectors at the end of the tubes.

A transfusion system that can prevent leaks is desirable to preventfluid from contacting medical staff and patients. This is importantbecause medical fluids that are supplied by the transfusion system, suchas anti-cancer and transfusion drugs, may have induced characteristicsor may cause side effects such as cytopathy, genotoxicity,carcogenicity, and fetal malformation.

A male connector with the purpose of preventing medical fluid fromleaking when being disconnected from a female connector is proposed inJapanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-102254 (“JP2006-102254”). The male connector of JP 2006-102254 is equipped with acylindrical injector which has an opening on the peripheral wall at theend and a protective shutter that moves along the injector to open andclose the aperture. The protective shutter is positioned to block theaperture and is opened when it receives an indentation force towards abase portion. The protective shutter once again blocks the aperture whenthe indentation force is released.

In JP 2006-102254 the protective shutter is made from an elastic bodycovers the opening. However, this protective shutter only retains theinjector by the radial constriction flexibility of the injector.Therefore, it is likely that the protective shutter would shift towardsthe axis and open the aperture. Also, since the protective shutter movesalong the axis of the injector with an enlarged diameter when the maleand female connectors are attached or detached, it is easy to deform andcollapse. If the flexibility of the protective shutter collapses, theaperture cannot be appropriately covered. Leaks may occur from theaperture.

Another male connector with a male lure which can be connected to afemale lure and having a “tubular elastic body 15” positioned betweenthe inlet and outlet is proposed in European Published Application No.EP 1,747,796 A1. This “tubular elastic body 15” is equipped with a“diaphragm 22” which normally blocks the inlet and outlet of the maleconnector. However, when the male lure is connected to the female lure,the “incision 23” of the “diaphragm 22” opens so that a flow path formsbetween the inlet and outlet, as described in European PublishedApplication No. EP 1,747,796 A1.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a male connector that can control leakswhen not connected to the female connector, can reduce the endurancefatigue of a seal member used to controls the leaks, and provides atransfusion line connection apparatus for use with the male connector.

The male connector provides a flow path for medical fluids and includesa movable blunt needle having a shoulder projecting radially outwardsfrom the movable blunt needle. The shoulder is installed at thepredetermined axial position to limit movement in the axial direction.The male connector also includes an outer cylinder body formed aroundthe movable blunt needle and disposed in coaxial alignment with themovable blunt needle, a movable blunt needle retainer which retains themovable blunt needle, and a valve which opens as a result of the movableblunt needle moving in the axial direction such that the posterior endof the movable blunt needle presses against the valve to open the valve.This occurs when the movable blunt needle is inserted into acorresponding connection site, such as a female connector, and theshoulder presses against the connection site to force the movable bluntneedle in an axial direction relative to the outer cylinder body suchthat the posterior end presses against the valve.

The male connector may include a movement regulation section at theexterior portion of the movable blunt needle which regulates or limitsthe movement of the movable blunt needle in the axial direction when theposterior end is positioned such that the valve is opened.

The peripheral tip of the outer cylinder body of the male connector hasa locking section demarcated by a locking groove that engages aprotrusion of corresponding connector by circumferential rotation at thelocking section. The locking surface and the hooked surface extendingfrom the locking surface are formed corresponding to a circumferentialdirection, and a connection with the corresponding connector is fixed bythe engaging the locking section with the protrusion of thecorresponding connector.

The transfusion line includes the male connector, as described above,and a female connector. The female connector includes a septum having aninsertable connection tube positioned on the outer cylinder body sectionof the female connector and seal inside of the connection tube where aslit is formed for the reception of the movable blunt needle of the maleconnector. When the movable blunt needle is inserted into the slit ofthe female connector the movable blunt needle moves in the axialdirection at the posterior end to open the valve of the male connectordue to the shoulder contacting the septum. In this way the inlet channelof the movable blunt needle is open and medical fluids can flow throughthe male and female connectors.

The movable blunt needle of the male connector is positioned so that themovable blunt needle has a flow path which can be moved in the axialdirection relative to the movable blunt needle retainer. The maleconnector includes a valve which is positioned at the posterior end suchthat the flow channel inlet of the movable blunt needle is blocked. Thevalve is opened as a result of the posterior end of the movable bluntneedle pressing against the valve when the movable blunt needle is movedin the axial direction. When the movable blunt needle is inserted intothe corresponding connector, it moves in the axial direction and opensthe valve due to the shoulder being in contact with the correspondingconnector. This causes the flow channel inlet of the movable bluntneedle to be open thereby allowing medical fluids to flow between themale connector and the corresponding connector. Thus, when removing themale connector from the corresponding connector, fluid leaks areinhibited from the male connector. In addition, the valve is deformedonly when the movable blunt needle is moved in the axial direction andthe posterior end presses against the valve, in other words, only whenthe male connector is connected to the corresponding connector. Becauseof this amount of deformation that the valve undergoes is minimal andthus endurance fatigue of the valve can be minimized.

The male connector may alternately have a movement regulation sectionprovided at the periphery of the movable blunt needle. The movementregulation section limits movement towards the valve in the axialdirection. This prevents excessive movement of the movable blunt needletowards the valve.

The peripheral tip of the outer cylinder body of the male connector hasa locking section demarcated by a locking groove that engages theprotrusion of a corresponding connector by circumferential rotation. Thelocking surface and the hooked surface extending from the lockingsurface are formed corresponding to a circumferential direction, and aconnection with the corresponding connector is fixed by the engaging thelocking section with the protrusion of the corresponding connector.Therefore, the distance between the connected male connector and thecorresponding connector can be controlled, and the flow of fluidsbetween the male connector and the corresponding connector can bemaintained in a stable manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein belowwith references to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the transfusion line set structureaccording to embodiment 1;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the front surface and side surfaceof the male connector according to embodiment 1;

FIGS. 3A-3C are cross-sections of the male connector according toembodiment 1;

FIGS. 4A-4D are diagrams showing the front, side, rear, and sectionalsurface of the female connector according to embodiment 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the male and female connectors assembledaccording to embodiment 1;

FIG. 6A is a cross-section of the male connector according to embodiment2;

FIG. 6B is a cross-section of the male and female connectors accordingto embodiment 2;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the male connector according to embodiment3; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the male connector according to embodiment4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings and in the description which follows, in which likereferences numerals identify similar or identical elements, the term“proximal” will refer to the end of the apparatus which is closest tothe clinician during use, while the term “distal” will refer to the endwhich is furthest from the clinician, as is traditional and known in theart.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 shows an example of the structure of the transfusion line setaccording to embodiment 1. The transfusion line set 1 is adapted tosupply medical fluid such as a drug solution, etc., and includes a fluidcontainer 2 which contains the medical fluid, a tube 3, an infusion tube4, a tube 5, a roller clamp 6, a transfusion line connection apparatus300 including a male connector 100 and a female connector 200, and atube 7.

Fluid container 2 is a container for storing various medical fluids suchas drug solutions, nutrients, anti-cancer drugs, saline, and blood.Infusion tube 4 temporarily accumulates the drug solution supplied fromliquid container 2 through tube 3 as well as sending a predeterminedamount of the medical fluid to roller clamp 6 through tube 5. Rollerclamp 6 is adapted for regulating the flow of the medical fluid suppliedthrough tube 5 by compressing soft tube 5. If tube 5 is compressed tothe maximum, the flow of medical fluid can be halted.

Male connector 100 is attached to the downstream end of tube 5 andfemale connector 200 is attached to tube 7. By connecting male connector100 with female connector 200, tube 5 and tube 7 connect.

FIGS. 2A-2B show male connector 100; FIG. 2A shows a front surface andFIG. 2B shows a side surface. FIGS. 3A-3C are cross-sectional drawingsof male connector 100; FIG. 3A shows the movable blunt needle 10 beingset in in the axial direction at the front end, FIG. 3B shows themovable blunt needle 10 being positioned in the axial direction at theposterior end, and FIG. 3C shows FIG. 3B without valve 50 for the sakeof explanation. In FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3C, the right side of the figuresis the front end and the left side of the figures is the posterior end.

Male connector 100 includes a movable blunt needle 10, which allows theflow of fluids, an outer cylinder body 20, which is formed outsidemovable blunt needle 10 and is almost coaxial with movable blunt needle10, a cylindrical junction 40 which is adapted for connection to tubesand catheters, etc., and a link section 30 which links cylinder body 20and junction 40. In addition, there is a valve 50 disposed betweencylinder body 20 and junction 40 so that the posterior end (flow channelinlet) of the movable blunt needle is blocked.

The front end of movable blunt needle 10 has a blunt needle section 11for insertion into the female connector 200. At around the middle of theaxis of the movable blunt needle, a shoulder 12 is formed and projectsradially outward. The outside diameter of shoulder 12 is larger thanthat of blunt needle section 11. At the posterior end of the movableblunt needle 10, a flange 13 is formed which expands radially outward.The posterior end of flange 13 is a compressed valve surface 14 defininga chamfered cross section having an arcuate shape.

Cylinder body 20, which is formed outside movable blunt needle 10 andalmost coaxial with the movable blunt needle 10, includes an outercylinder 21 surrounding movable blunt needle 10 and a bottom 22extending inward from outer cylinder 21 and having a roughly cylindricalshape. Hole 22 a is formed almost at the center of bottom 22 and isadapted to receive movable blunt needle 10. The diameter of hole 22 a,is large enough to form a liquid tight seal between movable blunt needle10 and hole 22 a while allowing axial movement of movable blunt needle10. Blunt needle retainer tube 29 is formed outside bottom 22 in theaxial direction at the posterior end. Blunt needle retainer tube 29 hasa lumen the same size as hole 22 a. Movable blunt needle 10 is retainedso that it can move in an axial direction by means of hole 22 apositioned at bottom 22 and blunt needle retainer tube 29. In otherwords, in embodiment 1, hole 22 a of bottom 22 and blunt needle retainertube 29 are equivalent to the blunt needle retainer of the presentdisclosure. The reason why blunt needle retainer 29 is provided is tomake the length of the axis direction of the movable blunt needlesection longer, which improves stability for retaining movable bluntneedle 10. By lengthening blunt needle retainer tube 29, radialvibration of movable blunt needle 10 can be inhibited. In addition, thediameter of blunt needle retainer tube 29 is constructed in embodiment 1so that the outer diameter becomes smaller in tiers towards theposterior end. This is to increase the contact area of link section 30,and to improve the reliability of the adhesion and welding of outercylinder 20 and link section 30, and is illustrative and notrestrictive. Alternately, movable blunt needle 10 may be retained byhole 22 a of bottom 22, without having blunt needle retainer tube 29.

At the tip periphery of outer cylinder 20, a lock section 26 isdemarcated by a groove portion 23, which is adapted to lock and link tofemale connector 200. In the embodiment, the groove portion 23 andlocking section 26 are established at two opposite positions to thecircumferential direction of outer cylinder 21. Groove portion 23includes a notch 23 a facing the posterior end from the axial front endof outer cylinder 21, and a notch 23 b, facing the circumferentialdirection in succession of notch 23 a, which can be mated withprojection 72 (discussed below) of female connector 200.

Locking section 26 of outer cylinder 20 is located at the rear of groove23 and is formed of a locking surface 24, and a hook surface 25extending from the locking surface 24. The locking surface which ispositioned between hook surface 25 and projection 72, to be discussedlater, should be formed linearly. In addition, locking surface 24 andhook surface 25 should be formed by the configuration of sharp angles.Also, locking surface 24 should be formed perpendicular to the axialdirection so that it can correspond to axial tension. In addition,diagonally opposite the intersection surface of locking surface 24 andhook surface 25, a recessed arc surface 27 is formed in an arced stateat groove portion 23.

Where junction 30 connects with the end of outer cylinder body 20 andthe end of connection 40 it cooperates with connection 40 to maintainvalve 50. Junction 30, includes in order a front section 31, a midsection 32 and a rear section 33 configured in a stepwise configurationin which the diameter of front section 31 is greater than the diameterof mid section 32 which is greater than the diameter of rear section 30.However, each section has roughly a cylindrical shape. The diameter offront section 31 is almost the same diameter as the front of connection40, tip section 43 of connection 40 and outer cylinder 21. The diameterof mid section 32 is almost the same as the inner diameter of frontsection 43 of connection 40. The outer wall of mid section 32 is gluedby an adhesive on the inner wall of front section 43. The outer diameterof rear section 33 is configured smaller than the outer diameter of midsection 32. Therefore, between the outer wall of rear section 33 and theinner wall of front section 43 of connection 40, a space (gap) isformed. This space is the valve section which is adapted to receivevalve 50.

Connection 40 is connectable to tubular bodies other than tube 5 such ascatheters and syringes, and is shaped to be almost cylindrical. Inembodiment 1, by inserting tube 5 at tube junction 41 located at therear section of connection 40, tube 5 is connected to male connector100. However, the connection aspect of tube 5 is illustrative and notrestrictive. For example, a female lure connector can be formed at theinterior of connection 40, or a male screw can be made at the outersurface of connection 40. Also, at the interior of section 40, fluidscan be distributed through distribution channel 42. Front section 43 ofconnection 40 is configured as almost the same outer cylindricaldiameter as outer cylinder 21. A mid section 44 is formed to graduallyexpand the outer diameter where tube junction 41 is connected with frontsection 43 whose outer diameter is larger than that of the tube linkingsection.

Valve 50 seals the flow channel inlet of movable blunt needle 10. Inother words, closure of the axial direction posterior end by junction 30and connection 40 is maintained by valve 50. More specifically, valve 50is disposed at the annular gap formed between the outer wall of rearsection 33 of connection 30 and, the inner wall of front section 43 ofconnection 40. Inserting rib 52 which was constructed in order to standon the periphery of valve 50 secures valve 50 in place.

Valve 50 is made from elastic material (e.g. plate rubber) and thecenter opens and closes by stretching to form a stretch hole section 51.Valve 50 opens stretch hole 51 when a predetermined amount of force isapplied to it and shrinks and closes stretch hole 51 by releasing theforce. Stretch hole 51 is biased closed in this way. When stretch hole51 closes, the flow opening of movable blunt needle 10 is blocked anddrug solution from distribution channel 42 to movable blunt needle 10stops flowing. The material of male connector 100 may include but is notlimited to, for example, resins such as polypropylene and polycarbonate.(excluding valve 50). In addition, junction 30 and connection 40 can bemade from resins (e.g. polycarbonate) that can obtain high dimensionalprecision molding. Outer cylinder body 20 which maintains the mobilityof movable blunt needle 30 could be built with resin sliding (e.g.Polyacetal). In this way resin properties utilized by male connector 100can be obtained. In addition, by using high transparency polycarbonatein outer cylinder 20, junction 30, and connection 40, visibility ofmedicinal liquids through the interior can be improved. Also, movableblunt needle 10 may include a superior drug-resistant polypropylene.

In addition, outer cylinder 20 and junction 30 may be monolithicallyformed so long as the mobility between movable blunt needle 10 andjunction 40 in the axial direction is maintained and valve 50 isoperable.

In this way when the movable blunt needle 10 of the male connector 100is located at the axial tip, as shown in FIG. 3A, flange 13 is incontact with blunt needle retainer 29 of outer cylinder 20 and stopsdistal movement of the movable blunt needle towards the axial tip.

FIGS. 4A-D show female connector 200 of the present disclosure; FIG. 4Ashows a front surface, FIG. 4B shows side surface, FIG. 4C shows a rearsurface, and FIG. 4D shows a cross-section of FIG. 4B. Female connector200 includes housing 71 which has almost the same cylindrical shape andseptum 81. In FIG. 4B, the right side of the figures is the front endand the left side of the figures, the posterior end.

Housing 71 is made of a compound resin and has a cylindrical shape. Theaxial tip and rear of housing 71 have an established opening. At theinterior front of housing 71, connection tube 73 is built almostcoaxially relative to housing 71 and forms an overlapping tube sectionwith housing 71. Connection tube 73 connects with female connector 200and tube 7 by being inserted into the lumen of tube 7. At the innersurface tip of housing 71, there is female screw 75. Female screw 75 isa screwed connection for receiving tube 7. The internal end of housing71 has a septum accommodation section 74 which can accommodate septum81.

At the outer surface of housing 71, at least 2 projections 72 are formedand extend in opposed directions. Projections 72 can be mated withgroove 23 of male connector 100 and secured to locking section 26. Thelocking surface of the projection 72 should be formed linearly withhooked surface 25 of male connector 100 so that the two can be engagedlinearly. Furthermore, projection 72, locking surface 24 of maleconnector 100 and hook surface 25, should mate by a gradual connection.The number of projections 72 on housing 71 at an opposing radialposition should be with more than one pair, but should not limited toany specific number. For example a single projection 72, a pair ofprojections 72 or more projections 72 could be provided. In this way abiased state of engagement with male connector 100 can be prevented.

Septum 81 includes an elastic body such as that composed of rubber orthermoplastic elastomer and is installed at septum accommodation section74 in the vicinity of the rear opening of housing 71. At the center ofseptum 81, there is slit 82 that is adapted for insertion of bluntneedle section 11 of movable blunt needle 10 of male connector 100.Septum 81 is adapted for the reception of movable blunt needle section11 and for sealing the rear opening of housing 71 after withdrawal ofmovable blunt needle section 11 due to elastic force. Also, thethickness of the axial direction of septum 81 maintains a seal untillocking section 26 of the male connector and projection 72 of the femaleconnector are in an engaged state. Slit 82 opens and fluids aredistributed by movable blunt needle 10 and connection tube 73.

Holding member 76, as shown in FIG. 4A, if seen from the front shows adonut outside the rear opening of housing 71 which is mounted to coverthe edges of the rear opening of housing 71. Holding member 76, inhibitsthe separation of the septum 81 from the rear opening of housing 71. Atthe center of holding member 76 there is a round shaped hole throughwhich movable blunt needle 10 can be inserted into septum 81.

In a transfusion line connection device according to the presentdisclosure, the connection of male connector 100 and female connector200 will be explained. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic of theconnection status of male connector 100 and female connector 200. InFIG. 5 the right side of the figure is the axial front, the left side ofthe figure is the axial rear.

When male connector 100 is connected with female connector 200, themovable blunt needle section 11 of movable blunt needle 10 of maleconnector 100 is inserted into slit 82 of female connector 200compressing male connector 100. Then blunt needle section 11 piercesslit 82 of septum 81 to open septum 81. Then, movable blunt needle 10moves towards the axial rear due to friction with the outside wall ofneedle section 11 and slit 82. Furthermore, shoulder 12 of movable bluntneedle 10 contacts with the surface of septum 81 of female connector 200and is forced towards the axial rear. Housing 71 is also inserted on theinside of the outer cylinder body 20 of male connector 100.

While projection 72 of female connector 200 is mated in groove 23 ofmale connector 100, female connector 200 and male connector 100 approachtowards each other and rotate in a circumferential direction. That way,projection 72 of female connector 200 progresses into groove 23, andlocks locking section 26 to projection 72. This regulates the locationof projection 72. Linear surface 72 a of projection 72 is linearlyconnected with locking surface 24, linear surface 72 b is linearlyconnected with hooked surface 25, and truncated outer edge 72 c connectswith arc 27. Locking surface 24 regulates movement of projection 72 inthe axial direction and hooked surface 25 regulates movement ofprojection 72 in the circumferential direction. Thus male connector 100and female connector 200 are connected in a stable state. Because ofthis, even if male connector 100 and female connector 200 shift,disengagement is prevented and the connection of male connector 100 andfemale connector 200 remains stable. In addition, locking surface 24 andhooked surface 25 of locking section 26 are formed at an acute anglesuch that projection 72 engages locking surface 24 and hooked surface 25in a fitted state. Therefore, the likelihood that projection 72 willbecome disengaged from locking section 26 is reduced. This can furtherstabilize the connection of male connector 100 and female connector 200.

In addition, the septum 81 of female connector 200 receives movableblunt needle 10 of male connector 100 and by virtue of the elasticity ofseptum 81, projection 72 is engaged against locking surface 24 in theaxial front direction. Therefore, the engagement of locking surface 26and the projection 72 is made stronger.

In this way if locking section 26 of male connector 100 receivesprojection 72 of female connector 200, as FIG. 5 shows, movable bluntneedle 10 moves towards the axial rear of male connector 100 and valve50 and compression surface 14 presses against valve 50 to open stretchhole 51 of valve 50. This causes the inlet passage of movable bluntneedle 10 to be in the open state. Furthermore, movable blunt needle 10penetrates septum 81. Because stretch hole 51 and septum 81 are bothopen liquid becomes distributable between male connector 100 and femaleconnector 200. In addition, since movable blunt needle 10 pressesagainst valve 50 and at the opened stretch hole 51 and shoulder 12 ofmovable blunt needle 10 presses against the surface of septum 81 offemale connector 200, movement towards the axial front of movable bluntneedle 10 is regulated and the connection state of female connector 200and male connector 100 is stabilized. In addition, the valve compressionsurface 14 of movable blunt needle 10 is smoothly chamfered such thatwhen valve compression surface 14 is pressed against valve 50, damage tovalve 50 is inhibited.

When the connection between male connector 100 and female connector 200is released, male connector 100 and female connector 200 compresstowards each other to remove hooked surface 25 from projection 72 andare rotated in the opposite direction as compared to when connectingmale connector 100 and female connector 200 are connected together. Aspreviously stated, locking section 26 and projection 72 of maleconnector 100 and female connector 200 have a stable connection axiallyand circumferentially. However it is possible for movable blunt needle10 to move axially when male connector 100 and female connector 200 arecompressed such that the male connector 100 can further receive thefemale connector 200. Thus, when male connector 100 and female connector200 are being disconnected, and male connector 100 and female connector200 are pressed towards each other the burden on the user can be reducedresulting in easy disconnection. In addition, outer section 72 c ofprojection 72 and arc surface 27 press together since they are in anarced state while locked section 26 and projection 72 are sliding suchthat the lock can be released and is easy to remove.

In addition, since the connection state of male connector 100 and femaleconnector 200 is fixed by locking section 26 and projection 72 in theconnection state the distance between male connector 100 and femaleconnector 200 is kept constant. Thus, by the engagement of lockingsection 26 and projection 72 overinsertion or underinsertion towardsfemale connector 200 can be inhibited. The liquid between male connector100 and female connector 200 can have a stable distribution. Asdiscussed above with regard to the male connector 100 of embodiment 1,there is an internal flow path through the movable blunt needle 10 inwhich liquid is distributable. The internal flow path is formed by hole22 a of bottom section 22 and blunt needle retainer tube 29 and axialmovement maintenance is made possible by the formed needle holdingsection. The flow mouth of movable blunt needle 10 is blocked untilmovable blunt needle 10 moves axially to press against and open valve50. Thus, when inserting movable blunt needle 10 into female connector200 movable blunt needle 10 moves axially and opens valve 50. In theopen state of the flow mouth of movable blunt needle 10 shoulder 12presses against female connector 200. Thus, the distribution of liquidssuch as drugs between male connector 100 and female connector 200 ismade possible. In addition, when shoulder 12 presses against femaleconnector 200 the axial movement of movable blunt needle 10 is regulatedand the connection state of male connector 100 and female connector 200is stabilized. Then, when male connector 100 is removed from femaleconnector 200, movable blunt needle 10 is no longer pressed againstvalve 50 and valve 50 closes stopping the flow of liquid through movableblunt needle 10. Therefore, even when male connector 100 is removed fromfemale connector 200, no fluid leaks. Therefore, connecting maleconnector 100 and female connector 200 or withdrawal when working orduring priming, liquid discharge to the caster can be inhibited. Also,even when male connector 100 disconnects from female connector 200involuntarily since there are no leaks, it takes no time to clean sheetsor the floor due to leaks since no liquids will be spilled wastefully.

In addition, when movable blunt needle 10 moves axially, in other words,when a connection of male connector 100 and female connector 200 isformed, junction 30 and connection section 40 restrain valve 50 suchthat the connection is stable. Thus, junction 30 and connection section40 inhibit the amount of deformation of that valve 50 can undergothereby inhibiting a reduction in the amount of resistance provided byvalve 50 to movable blunt needle 10.

In addition outer cylinder body 20 surrounds movable blunt needle 10 andincludes an axially lockable locking surface 24 for the reception ofprojection 72 of female connector 200 and a locking section 26 which hasa circumferentially lockable hook surface 25. When projection 72 offemale connector 200 is locked at locking section 26 of male connector100, movable blunt needle 10 moves axially opening valve 50. Since whenmale connector 100 and female connector 200 are connected, projection 72and locking section 26 are in a locked state, involuntary withdrawl bythe user of male connector 100 and female connector 200 is inhibited.Also, since the distance between male connector 100 and female connector200 can be made constant when in a connected state, the distribution ofliquid between male connector 100 and female connector 200 can bestabilized.

The embodiment 1 shows female connector 200 as the destination ofconnection for male connector 100, however, it is illustrative and notrestrictive. For example, a three-way stopcock equipped with a septum inwhich the movable blunt needle can be inserted, can also be used.

Embodiment 2

In embodiment 2, there is disclosed an example of a movement regulationcomponent which regulates excessive axial movement of movable bluntneedle 10A of the male connector 100. Embodiment 2 mainly describes thedifferences with embodiment 1 and identical or corresponding structureas that of embodiment 1 is given similar symbols.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are figures that show the connection device of theinfusion line of embodiment 2, FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional schematicview of male connector 100, FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional schematic ofthe connection state of male connector 100A and female connector 200. AsFIGS. 6A and 6B show, the outer diameter of movable blunt needle 10A hasa smaller diameter at a predetermined position in the axial direction atthe posterior end relative to shoulder 12 and has a larger diameter ascompared with the inner diameter of the blunt needle retainer tube 29 atshoulder 12. The part where the outer diameter is larger than bluntneedle retainer tube 29 is movement regulation component 60A.

When movable blunt needle 10A is axially moved such that valve 50 is ina predetermined open state the front of the blunt needle retainer andthe opening surface (bottom section 22) of hole 22 a is contacted bymovement regulation component 60A and the axial movement of movableblunt needle 10A is limited. As shown in FIG. 6B, when connecting maleconnector 100A and female connector 200, movement regulation component60A extends from shoulder 12 across the space between septum 81 offemale connector 200 and bottom section 22 of male connector 100A andengages septum 81 and bottom section 22. Basically, the distance betweenthe surface section and the locked surface 24 of bottom section 22, thedistance between movement regulation component 60A to shoulder 12 andthe distance from septum 81 to the tip of projection 72 (as shown inFIG. 6B on the right side of the figure) are configured to be less thanthe sum of the distances. Thus, locking projection 72 in locking surface24 locks female connector 200 and male connector 100A in connection andshoulder 12 presses against the surface of septum 81 to ensure contactand pushes movable blunt needle 10A axially to ensure the opening ofvalve 50. Other uses and configurations are the same as embodiment 1.

As discussed above, Embodiment 2 is equipped with a movement regulationcomponent 60A at the outer circumferential section of movable bluntneedle 10A, where contacting the needle holding section by movingmovable blunt needle 10A axially is regulated when movable blunt needle10A axially moves resulting in valve 50 being in an open state. Thus, inaddition to the effects shown in embodiment 1, excessive axial movementof movable blunt needle 10A and excessive opening of valve 50 areinhibited. Since there is no excessive opening of valve 50, damage tostretchable hole 51 of valve 50 or encouragement of settling of valve 50can be avoided.

Embodiment 3

Embodiment 3 discloses configuration examples other than the movementregulation component established in the movable blunt needle of the maleconnector. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-section of male connector 100Baccording to embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 mainly explains the differenceswith embodiment 2 and identical or corresponding structure as that ofembodiments 1 and 2 is given similar symbols.

Instead of shoulder 12, movable blunt needle 10B includes a movementregulation component 60B disposed in a predetermined position of axialmovement. In embodiment 3, movement regulation component 60B of movableblunt needle 10B is a projection projecting outward circumferentiallyfrom movable blunt needle 10B. At least two of the projections (onepair) of movement regulation component 60B are disposed at an opposingposition of the circumferential position of movable blunt needle 10B.When valve 50 is in an open state due to the axial movement of movableblunt needle 10B, the movement regulating components 60B are contactedwith the opening surface of the hole 22 a (bottom section 22) and theaxial movement of movable blunt needle 10B is limited.

As discussed above, the effect of movement regulation component 60B ofthe male connector 100B of embodiment 3 may also be performed byembodiment 2.

Embodiment 4

Embodiment 4 discloses configuration examples other than the movementregulation component in the movable blunt needle of the male connector.FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-section of the male connector 100C accordingto embodiment 4. Embodiment 4 mainly explains the differences withembodiment 2 and identical or corresponding structure as that ofembodiments 1 and 2 is given similar symbols.

Instead of shoulder 12, movable blunt needle 10C includes movementregulation component 60C in a predetermined position of axial movement.In embodiment 4, movement regulation component 60C includes a flangeprojecting in a flanged state towards the circumferential side ofmovable blunt needle 10C. The flange of movement regulation component60C forms a circle around the outer circumference of movable bluntneedle 10C. However, the length of the circle is not necessarilylimited. When valve 50 is opened by the axial movement of movable bluntneedle 10C, regulation component 60C contacts the opening surface ofhole 22 a (bottom section 22) and the axial movement of movable bluntneedle 10C is limited.

As discussed above, the effect of movement regulation component 60C ofthe male connector 100C of embodiment 4 may also be performed byembodiment 2.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure havebeen described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, theabove description, disclosure, and figures should not be construed aslimiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Itis to be understood, therefore, that the disclosure is not limited tothose precise embodiments, and that various other changes andmodifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A male connector for a transfusion linecomprising: an outer body defining a hole therethrough for the receptionof fluids; a link section attached to the outer body and extendingproximally from the outer body; a junction defining a fluid passagewaytherethrough for the reception of fluids; an elongate member at leastpartially disposed within the hole and axially movable relative to thehole, the elongate member defining a lumen therethrough for thereception of fluids, the elongate member including a needle section, afirst end of the needle section having a first diameter and a second endof the needle section having a second diameter larger than the firstdiameter, the needle section being configured to penetrate a seal of acorresponding connector; and a sealing member disposed between theelongate member and the fluid passageway of the junction, the sealingmember being biased towards a closed state and transitionable betweenthe closed state and an open state upon movement of the elongate memberrelative to the hole of the outer body, at least a portion of the needlesection of the elongate member extending axially beyond the outer bodywhen the sealing member is in the closed state.
 2. The male connectoraccording to claim 1, wherein the elongate member includes a shouldersection that projects radially outward from the second end of the needlesection, the shoulder section defining a third diameter larger than thesecond diameter, the elongate member having a proximal flange endextending through the hole.
 3. The male connector according to claim 2,wherein the shoulder section is configured to contact an outer surfaceof a corresponding connector to effect movement of the elongate memberand transition the sealing member from the closed state to the openstate.
 4. The male connector according to claim 2, wherein the elongatemember includes a flange that expands radially outward around the flangeend to retain the elongate member within the hole.
 5. The male connectoraccording to claim 4, wherein the flange end includes a chamferedsurface, the chamfered surface adapted to minimize damage to the sealingmember upon contact with the sealing member.
 6. The male connectoraccording to claim 1, wherein the outer body includes a locking memberconfigured to secure a corresponding connector to the outer body.
 7. Themale connector according to claim 6, wherein the locking member isadapted to receive a projection of a corresponding connector.
 8. Themale connector according to claim 7, wherein the locking member receivesthe projection upon rotation of a corresponding connector relative tothe outer body.
 9. The male connector according to claim 1, wherein thejunction is attached to the link section and defines a spacetherebetween.
 10. The male connector according to claim 9, wherein atleast a portion of the sealing member is secured within the spacebetween the junction and the link section.
 11. The male connectoraccording to claim 1, wherein movement of the elongate member in aproximal direction relative to the hole of the outer body transitionsthe sealing member to the open state.
 12. The male connector accordingto claim 1, wherein the needle section of the elongate member isconfigured to insert through a septum of a seal of a correspondingconnector.
 13. The male connector according to claim 1, wherein theouter body, link section, and junction are transparent.
 14. The maleconnector according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the elongate memberincludes a movement regulating component which extends radially outwardfrom the elongate member and is adapted to limit axial movement of theelongate member relative to the hole of the outer body.
 15. A maleconnector for a transfusion line comprising: an outer body defining ahole therethrough for the reception of fluids; a link section attachedto the outer body and extending proximally from the outer body; ajunction defining a fluid passageway therethrough for the reception offluids; an elongate member at least partially disposed within the holeand axially movable relative to the hole, the elongate member defining alumen therethrough for the reception of fluids, the elongate memberincluding a needle section, a first end of the needle section having afirst diameter and a second end of the needle section having a seconddiameter larger than the first diameter, the needle section beingconfigured to penetrate a seal of a corresponding connector, a portionof the elongate member includes a movement regulating component whichextends radially outward from the elongate member and is adapted tolimit axial movement of the elongate member relative to the hole of theouter body; and a sealing member disposed between the elongate memberand the fluid passageway of the junction, the sealing member beingbiased towards a closed state and transitionable between the closedstate and an open state upon movement of the elongate member relative tothe hole of the outer body, the movement regulating component pressingagainst an outer surface of the hole when the sealing member is in theopen state.
 16. A transfusion line set comprising: a female connectorcomprising: a housing including an opening extending therethrough and atleast one projection extending from an outer surface of the housing; anda seal disposed within the housing at a proximal end of the housing; anda male connector comprising: an outer body defining a hole therethroughfor the reception of fluids; a link section attached to the outer bodyand extending proximally from the outer body; a junction defining afluid passageway therethrough for the reception of fluids; an elongatemember at least partially disposed within the hole and axially movablerelative to the hole, the elongate member defining a lumen therethroughfor the reception of fluids, the elongate member including a needlesection, a first end of the needle section having a first diameter and asecond end of the needle section having a second diameter larger thanthe first diameter such that the needle section is configured topenetrate the seal of the female connector; and a sealing memberdisposed between the elongate member and the fluid passageway of thejunction, the sealing member being biased towards a closed state andtransitionable between the closed state and an open state upon movementof the elongate member relative to the hole of the outer body.
 17. Thetransfusion line set according to claim 16, wherein the outer body ofthe male connector includes a locking member configured to engage the atleast one projection of the female connector in a secure manner.
 18. Thetransfusion line set according to claim 16, wherein the elongate memberincludes a shoulder section that projects radially outward from thesecond end of the needle section, the shoulder section defining a thirddiameter larger than the second diameter, the shoulder section beingconfigured to contact an outer surface of the seal of the femaleconnector during axial movement of the male connector in relation to thefemale connector to effect axial movement of the elongate member. 19.The transfusion line set according to claim 16, wherein when the needlesection of the elongate member is inserted through the seal of thefemale connector, the elongate member moves relative to the outer bodyto press against and transition the sealing member to the open statethereby allowing fluid to flow between the male connector and the femaleconnector.